Louisiana Lucky by Julie Pennell is a delightful, lightweight read. The Mary Poppins’ song, “a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down”, applies to Louisiana Lucky in that there are so strong messages about money not buying happiness and being careful about you wish for that are easily consumed given the sweetness of the Breaux sisters.

Breaux sisters Lexi, Callie and Hanna are each delightful and their sibling attachment and support is sweet. They and their family are just scraping by. Sometimes their monthly investment in three lottery tickets required scraping together the coins at the bottom of their purse and forgoing a full tank of gas. Their banter is infectious and the dialogue is authentic. So, when the girls get lucky one Thursday evening, I couldn’t help but be swept up in their excitement.

However, as soon as the girls get their check, the pitfalls of quickly and publicly becoming very wealthy become apparent. Whether it is about being caught up in buying up what they think they need to be like the people whose lives they covet or being romantically pursued solely for their new wealth, all three sisters learn just how wealthy they were before winning the lottery.

Yes, the plot might be somewhat predictable, but the characters make Louisiana Lucky a fun read.

We all dream about what it would be like if we won the lottery. I, for one, have grabbed about winning the lottery with my two sisters and buying a compound for our families. Hanna, Lexi, and Callie are three small-town country girls who have always struggled to pay the bills. No matter how tight money is they have always saved a bit to play the lottery in the hopes of one day receiving a big pay off. Each girl has their own sets of hopes and dreams but to them, it is just a dream. Until the day they win big, but winning over 200 million dollars isn't all its cracked up to be. A tremendous story of hope, love, and sisterhood.

Louisiana Lucky was such a fun story! I love books about siblings, especially sisters. This was an engaging story with likable characters. I will definitely read more from Julie Pennell.

From my blog: Always With a Book:

This is the first book I've read by Julie Pennell but it certainly will not be the last. Sometimes it's nice to read a lighter book inbetween all the darker thrillers that I tend to gravitate towards and this was just the palate cleanser I needed!

I love reading books about families, especially sisters as I have two myself, so this one definitely called to me. And while I thought this was going to be a light, easy-breezy story, I loved that there was some depth to it. The book alternates between the three sisters' points of view and I loved getting to know all three sisters. I'm not quite sure which sister I loved the most, but I do know that of all the men in the sisters' lives, Hanna's husband win's my heart. In every scene, he was the good guy all the way through. I can't really say that about the other two guys.

I'm always hyper-critical about the way the bonds between sisters are portrayed and I definitely think Julie Pennell got it right here. I loved how these sisters had their monthly girls night and did something just for themselves. I also appreciated how each sister had their own lives...there were things they kept to themselves. I can absolutely say with 100% certainty that I do this and I'm sure others can attest that this is real life.

I also loved how this book was set in a small town. I've lived in small towns all my life and this book had that feeling in spades. While it was set in the south and I live in the north, that small town is so universal. Everybody knows everybody and that doesn't change no matter the geography.

I really enjoyed this book and while I have never won the lottery, it was fun living vicariously through these sisters as they got to live their dreams out after they did. Of course, in the end, the one lesson they learned is the one we all know only too well...money doesn't buy happiness. I cannot recommend this charming book enough.

*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley and Atria for my honest review.*

Hanna, Callie, and Lexi are sisters, live in a small town in Louisiana, and have always struggled financially. Then they hit it big playing the lottery! And it should change their lives in all the right ways, right? Well, everyone knows that some things are too good to be true. Hanna buys her dream house and puts her kids in a prestigious private school and has to deal with the mean moms from the school. Callie starts dating a local newscaster and continues working at a floundering local newspaper. Lexi starts planning her dream wedding - in 5 weeks!

The sisters use part of their winnings to take care of their parents and then set about furnishing new lifestyles. The relationship that the 3 sisters have is full of support for each other and even before winning the lottery and it was nice to not see having deep pockets go to anyone's head as far as constantly splurging on frivolities.

The banter and dialog between the characters is fun and I felt myself being drawn into the story quite quickly. And even with all 3 sisters being in such different paths in life, I could easily relate and commiserate with each one of them - being short of funds, feeling left out of groups, pining after a man. And I laughed out loud at some of the antics and descriptions!

Overall a great, feel good book that I thoroughly enjoyed!

What would you do if you hit the lottery? These three sisters are about to find out when they actually do. Heart warming and just plain wonderful you will cheer for all three as they discover what happens when you're dream comes true but it isn't exactly what you expected. It will stick with you long after the last page. Pick up this gem of a book. Happy reading!

I've been reading too many thrillers lately so I needed a light contemporary read and Louisiana Lucky was just it. This centers around 3 struggling sisters who win the lottery and have their lives forever changed. It was fun to see how they would spend their money and while I agreed with some of the ways they spent it, some of it was a little ridiculous but I guess that's just the true reality of winning so much money. I did like the strong bond between the 3 sisters even if they did make some poor choices at some point. The characterization isn't too strong as they complain a lot and feel bad for themselves pretty often too but they end up getting it together. I thought this was pretty predictable as well but I'm happy with the way everything had ended. I recommend this if you're looking for a nice beach read or if you just want a quick read! If only I win the next lottery ;)

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for the copy. Louisiana lucky is now available today August 4th.

One of my first book reviews on this page was for THE YOUNG WIVES CLUB and this book is by the same author!

I received an advanced copy from @atria and @netgalley so thank you!

LOUISIANA LUCKY is about 3 sisters from a small town who gree up without much money and struggle now as adults. They play the lottery and dream about what would happen if they won and one day.. they do win! They split the money and each of them has different plans. One is moving and putting her kids in private school, another is having her dream wedding, and the third is going for a bigger career. However it doesn’t solve all their problems and the new money brings some other problems into their lives. This story of sisterhood, luck, and what money can’t buy is cute and heartwarming!

I thought this was a quick read and cute, but rather predictable. The characters felt a bit cliche and overall I thought the story was missing the depth and major climax. There are some good lessons to reflect on though! Money isn’t everything and while it can help some situations, massive amounts like lotto winnings bringother problems too!

I’ve seen a bunch of other reviews of people who loved this story it just wasn’t for me. You should try it though!

My six word review:
Predictable and flat lotto winning story

This was a lighthearted, entertaining read. The story was pretty predictable, and while I enjoyed the characters it wasn’t a riveting page turner.

Louisiana Lucky
A Novel
by Julie Pennell
Read an Excerpt
Atria Books
You Like Them
Atria/Emily Bestler Books
Women's Fiction
Pub Date 05 Aug 2020 | Archive Date 18 Aug 2020

What a great light read! I was looking for something fairly lighthearted when I found this book. How would your life change if you won the big lottery? We sometimes think our problems would be over if we just had the money. ... See what happens to these three sisters when their dream comes true. Thanks to Net Galley and Atria books for the ARc.

5 stars

Sweet and relatively light-hearted book. Lexi, Callie, and Hanna are three sisters in a small town in Louisiana. All of them are struggling a bit financially, and their tradition on monthly girls' nights is to play Powerball. Then they win the jackpot, and most of the book is about how their lives (and spending habits) change. Two of the sisters start spending their portions in an effort to achieve dreams. Things go wrong. They realize more money doesn't make life perfect. I found the book fairly predictable - the resolutions of some plot points that kept being mentioned seemed obvious.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5/5

I think we’ve all allowed ourselves to daydream about what we would do if we won the lottery and that’s the basic premise of this book. Three sisters, Lexi, Callie and Hanna have been playing the lotto for years and they win 204 million dollars, which even split three ways is an insane amount of money. Money can’t buy happiness though and quick enough all three learn that lesson the hard way.

This one was pure fluff and that’s exactly what I was in the mood for when I picked it up. It was sweet, the characters were endearing and it was fun to see how differently the money effected all three women. I love a story about sisters too so that was an added bonus for me, especially sisters who are close friends as well as siblings and these girls were tight. It was super predictable and you know what’s gonna happen almost right away, but there’s a comfort in predictability for me sometimes and this was exactly what I was craving when I read it. Grab this when you’re in the mood for something light and sweet.

We all dream of winning the lottery, but what would you really do if you won? I think I would be very similar to these sisters and go a little crazy.

this was a quick read and was a little predictable, but was still enjoyable. I liked seeing how each sister differed in their winnings. I recommend this for anyone that daydreams about their dream house and having the money to do anything you want.

What would you do if you won the lottery? How do you think your life will change?

Lexi, Callie and Hanna Breaux have been playing the same special numbers for years on their sisterly girl’s night. When each one seems to be at their breaking point they win 204 million dollars. This novel takes a fun look into not just how their lives change but how they each personally change too.

The characters were wonderful. Hanna is a mother of two hoping to give her little ones everything they need to succeed. She has a need many of us all know to just be accepted. Callie just wants to have the career of her dreams and she hit home for me. Many times you love what you’re currently doing but jump on an opportunity for more. Is it always the right decision? Is more always needed? Lastly, Lexi just wants the wedding of her dreams. Her flawed character also made connecting with her easy. We all know what it’s like to push aside our wants for other people. Each of the characters touch base on some truly human emotions and traits that you just can’t help but love these girls and their story.

I also loved this being set in Louisiana and the mention of LSU and Alabama rivalries. Be still my college football heart. I just adored this read. It was fast paced, frustrating and adorable all at once. Pennell did a wonderful job bringing these characters to life. Of course this is fiction so some of the catastrophes seem a little much but the drama kept me riveted wanting to know how it ends.

Definitely recommend this to anyone who fantasizes about winning that big grand prize and anyone needing a cute summer read. Heck, anytime read. Thank you Atria Books and Julie Pennell for the opportunity review this novel for an honest and unbiased opinion.

T ᘜ I ᖴ!!! Tbh I've been ready for this week to end since about Tuesday morning 🙃🤗

But, I finished 𝙇𝙤𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙖 𝙇𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙮 𝗯𝘆 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗹 this week and I really kinda loved this one! It is a light and fluffy read which is absolutely perfect sometimes. The Breaux sisters hit the big one for $402 million; various disasters and hilarity ensue. This was a fun, if somewhat predictable read, perfect to binge poolside or anywhere you go to escape! 🌴🌴🌴🌴 4/5
Thank you @netgalley , @atriabooks, and @juliepens for my e-copy! Grab yours next week; 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗟𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘆 hits the shelves August 4!

𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 #𝗾𝗼𝘁𝗱: what would YOU do with big time lotto winnings??

What would you do if you won $204 million? The Breaux sisters play the lottery every week, but cannot believe it when their numbers are called. Lexi Can now have her dream wedding. Hanna Can now send her kids to private school and live in a house with a roof that doesn’t leak. Callie isn’t sure what she’s going to do with the money, but she knows she’s going to do something that will be beneficial to many. This book was simultaneously hilarious and heartbreaking. Lexi and Hanna both thought their new found wealth would also bring them respect. Callie found out not everyone has a heart as big as hers. Julie Pennell has packed a lot of fun and family into this little gem.

Loved reading this! The book allowed me to fantasize what I would do if I won the lottery. I also really enjoy getting to know these sisters. I thought the sister’s reaction to the Wynfall was very realistic as well as how other people reacted. Hanna thought if she sent her son to a wealthy private school he would be less likely to be bullied. Lexi planned a fancy wedding because she thought her mother-in-law to be would think she was worthy. Callie was too trusting. I enjoyed all of the sister’s stories, but I think I liked Callie’s The Best. This is the perfect pick me up, a great escape from today’s crazy times.

This book in emojis 💵 🏡 👰🏼 📰 💰

*** Big thank you to Atria for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

What would you do if you won over $200 million dollars?? Well since we are sharing..😂

I would buy a home for each member of my immediate family.. lol only brothers and parents.. Gotta be clear because if I ever do win the lottery long lost family members will come out of nowhere saying I promised them a house..🤣

I would get myself the biggest house, have a huge library room, fill it with books, and read for the rest of my life! Oh! And rescue all the pups!🐾

In this case, for sisters Lexi, Callie and Hanna winning the lottery became a reality. Each sister knowing exactly what they would do with the money. Being from a small town in Louisiana, and only dreaming of what it would be like to have that much money?? It seems like a wish come true, and in many ways, yes it really is. It would be for all of us right?

The writing style felt comfortable, like you’re reading about your own family. It was super interesting to see the different paths each sister took with their share of the money. And what happens when you have mo’ money? That’s right you have mo’ problems.💯

The character development was crucial. Each of the sisters had to face some tough decisions head on, and learn some things the hard way. Through all this came new learnings.. & one of the most important ones, we can all learn from: Money is not the answer to everything.💵

Definitely a worth while read to get your imagination going, especially while we are all under shelter in place. We imagine where our adventures will take us when we are able to travel once again and be with friends and family.

Stay Safe practice Social Distancing♥️

Who hasn’t dreamed of winning the lottery? I fantasize all the time about how I would spend the money and who I would help. We’ve all done it right? Well, now after reading this fun story, maybe I don’t want to win. That being said, this story blew me away! You won’t need to keep the tissues close by as you are reading LOUISIANA LUCKY by Julie Pennell. I was laughing so hard with the thought process these sisters used to spend their new found wealth and then the next second my heart was breaking for the Breaux sisters. They play the lottery every month. They let the computer pick two tickets, and the third ticket always had their special numbers. Once I started reading, it was very hard to stop! The twists and turns made it impossible to put down, as I had to know what was going to happen to these hysterical sisters.



Julie Pennell really knows how to write about family drama, romance, and amazing chemistry between these three sisters. I have never read anything by her before but now I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. LOUISIANA LUCKY had me giggling out loud one minute and wanting to hug these girls the next. I love when an author can do that to me and Julie Pennell did not disappoint. I still can’t believe LOUISIANA LUCKY is only Julie’s second novel!



Can money really bring you hapiness? All of Julie’s characters feel genuine and relatable and put your emotions on one heck of a roller coaster ride. As you are reading, you will find yourself cheering for all of them, praying they can work out their problems and be happy once again. Once I started reading LOUISIANA LUCKY it was very hard to stop! And those wonderful characters, how happy I am for having ‘met’ them! They will stick with me for a very long time. I just know the same thing will happen for you…



LOUISIANA LUCKY is without a doubt one of my top funniest books I’ve read in 2020 so far. I was instantly emotionally invested in all of the characters. My heart broke for Hannah when she overhears the moms from the private school talking about her. I can not wait to read more by this wonderful and heart tugging author. I have her older book to read, The Young Wives Club, and that brings me so much joy and happiness to know it is waiting for me!



I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a great beach read and helped me to escape for an afternoon. I enjoyed “meeting” these sisters and following along as they won the lottery but then actually discovered what is important in life.
Many thanks to Atria Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

How does someone’s life change when a price tag is just a number and budget is no longer a limitation to anything? The lesson here is that it isn’t always a change for the good.

The plot felt pretty predictable - three sisters win the lottery and are able to make all their dreams come true. But of course for every dream that comes true, they find out how much can go wrong. The classic lesson was more money, more problems. While it was easy to empathize with the sisters, it was also a bit annoying that they didn’t see some of these problems from miles away. If things seem too good to be true, they usually are.

The Louisiana vibe was fun, and the characters were likable and relatable.The writing was also fine, but watching all the good things the girls were trying to do unravel was disheartening. All’s well that ends well, but the middle got a bit tedious. Overall, I’d give this book 3 out of 5 stars.